Accessible and engaging West African drumming sessions in which people can participate at their own level.
Hartbeats provides inclusive workshops for SEND settings, care homes, supported-living services, day centres and groups supporting children, young people or adults with additional needs.
Every session is adapted to the participants, environment and aims of the organisation. No previous musical experience is needed, all drums are provided, and staff, carers and support workers are warmly encouraged to take part.
Flexible and inclusive participation
A session may begin with a short performance on djembe and dundun drums, followed by an opportunity to explore the instruments and their different sounds.
Activities can include accessible shared rhythms, call and response, songs, movement, dancing, listening and cultural information. Drum parts can be simplified, repeated or developed according to the group. Participants can contribute in different ways without pressure to learn or remember a complete pattern.
The emphasis can be adjusted between musical learning, sensory engagement, enjoyment, communication, confidence, expression and creating something together.
Workshops for SEND settings and supported groups
Hartbeats works with specialist settings, SEND groups and organisations supporting people with additional needs. The choice of instruments, pace, volume, level of challenge and balance of drumming, listening, movement and song can all be adjusted.
Justine can discuss the group’s needs with staff beforehand and respond flexibly during the session. Participants may play a repeated rhythm, respond to a musical signal, sing, move, listen or join the ensemble in another way that suits them.
Care homes and older people’s groups
Sessions for care homes, day centres and older people’s groups can focus on enjoyment, social connection, confidence and the shared experience of making music.
Every care-home group is different. Activities are adapted to participants’ interests, confidence and mobility, without any pressure to master a complete drum part. Staff and carers joining in can help make the workshop an enjoyable experience for the whole group.
A complete West African ensemble
Hartbeats uses both djembe and dundun drums. The djembe is a goblet-shaped hand drum with a range of tones, while the dunduns are pitched bass drums played with sticks. Together they create a rich, energetic and unmistakably West African ensemble sound.
Hartbeats provides traditionally made drums in a range of sizes and brings everything required for the session.
Experienced and responsive facilitation
Justine Hart founded Hartbeats in 1998 and has more than 28 years of experience teaching and facilitating West African drumming. Her clear, warm and encouraging approach helps people feel comfortable joining in, including those who may initially be unsure.
Sessions can be arranged as a one-off activity, part of a celebration or wellbeing programme, or as a series of visits.
Locations and bookings
Hartbeats is based near High Wycombe and works throughout Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, London and surrounding areas. Workshops can also be arranged further afield.
Contact Justine about an inclusive drumming workshop for your setting or group
